Zlatan Ibrahimovic can emulate Eric Cantona at Manchester United

It has always been something of a travesty that Zlatan Ibrahimovic is yet to chance his arm in the Premier League.

The Swedish striker has been one of the best marksmen in world football for quite some time now, firing the likes of Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain to silverware aplenty over the years.

But that could all change this summer. If, as expected, Jose Mourinho succeeds Louis van Gaal at Manchester United then Ibrahimovic could finally come to England. And he could be the Portuguese’s Eric Cantona-esque signing. The man to take United out of the dark ages and back to the top.

His one year at Barcelona was widely regarded as one of the most disappointing of his career, yet despite playing second fiddle to Lionel Messi and falling out with Pep Guardiola he still managed to help the club win the La Liga title in 2010.

At PSG, he has continued to perform despite his career entering its twilight years, and the form showed in his four years in the French capital is evidence that he would still be a vital asset for any top European side.

MOURINHO RELATIONSHIP

Mourinho is said to be eager to revamp United should he succeed Van Gaal, and his positive relationship with Ibrahimovic could ensure the Swede snubs the MLS for a belated move to Old Trafford instead.

And what a coup it could be. He may lack pace, and his attitude may be questionable, but his ruthlessness in front of goal would help ease the burden on Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial, particularly with the former enduring a difficult campaign.

In his autobiography ‘I am Zlatan’ he was full of praise for Mourinho and helped the Portuguese win the league title during his first season at Inter Milan before being swapped for Samuel Eto’o a year later.

CANTONA COMPARISONS

Sir Alex Ferguson was widely questioned when he opted to raid fierce rivals Leeds United for the services of Eric Cantona in 1992, yet the Frenchman’s goalscoring antics and incredible persona helped the club win the Premier League title on four occasions.

Ibrahimovic is a man made in the same mould of the ex-United striker. His arrogance and self-belief would make him a big hit at Old Trafford, and could be the perfect striker to get Mourinho’s potential reign off to a great start.

WOULD IBRAHIMOVIC BE A SUCCESS AT MANCHESTER UNITED? HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE COMMENT BOX BELOW

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